Why Heli Ski?
Heliskiing vs. Resort Skiing: What Makes Heliskiing Unique?
For many, a traditional resort offers the ideal setting for skiing and snowboarding, with groomed trails, chairlifts, and easy access to facilities. However, for those looking to take their skiing experience to the next level, heliskiing provides an unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experience. Unlike resort skiing, which revolves around accessible and controlled terrain, heliskiing takes skiers into remote and pristine locations- where the thrills come from getting to experience untouched snow and explore off-the-beaten-path terrain.
If you're looking for something beyond the standard resort experience, heliskiing might be the perfect adventure for you. In this blog, we explore the key differences between resort skiing and heliskiing. Highlighting what makes heliskiing unique, and why it’s worth considering for your next skiing adventure.
In this blog we will explore 5 contributing factors in what makes heliskiing an experience like none other.
1. The Terrain
The terrain at a traditional ski resort is typically divided into designated runs for beginners, intermediates, and experts, all easily reachable by chairlifts or gondolas. However, despite the variety of runs, there are limitations in terms of terrain. Most resorts offer skiing within the boundaries of the resort, meaning that it’s easy to predict what you’ll encounter: well-managed, manicured slopes, and often crowded areas during peak times.
In contrast, heliskiing offers access to a much wider variety of untouched terrain in large mountainous areas-operating small group and private skiing, it is far as you can get from the wide crowds of ski resorts. Here, the terrain is diverse and can include everything from wide open bowls of deep powder to steep and thrilling descents down rugged peaks. The beauty of heliskiing lies in the endless options for exploration, with each run providing an unparalleled experience and the opportunity to ski untracked snow that no one else has touched.
For intermediate and advanced skiers, heliskiing presents an exciting mix of natural features, cliffs [for the daring], gladed forests, and alpine bowls, providing a vastly different experience compared to resort runs. The lack of crowds and groomed slopes means skiers can experience pure, unspoiled powder and test their skills on a variety of terrain. Each run is an adventure, providing an element of excitement of the unknown and freedom that isn’t found in resort skiing.
2.The Crowds
Ski resorts are designed to accommodate large numbers of visitors, with easily reachable terrain, abundant amenities, and a range of accommodations. From ski-in, ski-out lodging to rental shops, restaurants, and ski schools, resorts offer a comprehensive package for skiers looking for convenience. Most resorts are well connected by major roads or airports, making them easy to access even for a weekend trip.
However, the very popularity of resorts means they can be crowded, especially during peak ski season. Long lift lines, crowded slopes, and busy lodges are common at many resorts, particularly during weekends and holidays. Skiers can find themselves sharing the slopes with hundreds, if not thousands, of others, reducing the sense of serenity and solitude that many crave in the mountains. Even advanced skiers may have to contend with busy terrain, particularly on popular runs. If avoiding crowds is a priority, a resort may not always offer the peace and quiet you desire.
Heliskiing offers a stark contrast to resort skiing when it comes to crowds and accessibility. Since it operates in remote locations, the number of skiers is intentionally limited, making it an exclusive experience. Groups are typically small, often ranging from 4 to 12 people, ensuring that you won’t be fighting for space on the mountain. In fact, the appeal of heliskiing is partially based on the fact that you will never even encounter any other skiers in the areas that you explore.
Because there are no ski lifts and no bustling crowds, the experience is much more intimate, with a sense of being in nature’s vast wilderness. With fewer skiers around, there’s a feeling of solitude and peace that’s hard to come by at larger resorts.
3.The Adventure
Resort skiing is ideal for those who prefer a structured, leisurely experience. Skiers can enjoy cruising down wide open slopes, take lessons to improve their technique, or try out some moguls or steeper runs for a bit of a challenge. While this can be fun and fulfilling, the excitement level can feel more limited, especially for advanced skiers looking for new adventures.
While heliskiing does not lack some of the enticing factors of resort skiing, heliskiing also takes the adventure factor to a whole new level. The helicopter ride alone is an exhilarating experience that adds a sense of thrill and excitement before you even reach the mountain. Once you land, the adventure continues with untracked, pristine snow and terrain that can range from wide alpine bowls to steep, powder-filled chutes. With more variable terrain than what you’ll find in a resort, following your guide to navigate the natural features of the landscape is an un-comparable skiing experience.
Beyond the skiing itself, heliskiing offers the sense of discovery. Each run takes you to a new and untouched area, where you can experience the raw beauty of nature in a way that resort skiing simply can’t match. With expert guides ensuring your safety and helping you navigate the terrain, you can focus on the thrill of skiing in a remote, pristine wilderness.
4.The Skiing
The skiing experience at a resort is generally characterized by convenience and structure. With ski schools available for beginners, rental shops on-site, and well-maintained infrastructure, resorts provide everything you need for a hassle-free ski trip. Resorts cater to skiers of all levels, with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain that is easily accessible via lifts. Skiers can cruise along wide open runs, take in the views, or enjoy après-ski activities like dining, shopping, or socializing in lodge areas.
The experience of heliskiing, though similar in theory, is far less about convenience and more about immersing yourself in the natural beauty and adventure of the mountains. Swapping a ski lift for a helicopter, there’s no need to wait in line or contend with crowded slopes, instead you’ll be whisked away by your guide and pilot to remote locations where you can ski on untouched powder and immerse yourself in the pristine mountain environment. Groups are typically small, which means more attention from guides and a greater sense of camaraderie among skiers.
Unlike resort skiing, where the experience can feel like a mass operation, heliskiing is more intimate and focused on the adventure itself, with fewer distractions and a stronger connection to the natural environment. It’s easy to simply immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy skiing in a whole new way.
5. The Weather
One of the biggest benefits of heliskiing is the ability to work around the weather and forecast. Unlike resorts, where you have one epic pow day and then everything is tracked out, heliskiing provides the unique opportunity of endless backcountry access with out all the effort.
When you’re skiing at your favourite resort, for example; Whistler Blackcomb, and the powder panic hits- you’ll most likely be contending with endless traffic, parking issues, long lines, crowded lodges and by 10 am- skied out pow. When you’re heli skiing, not only is all that fresh snow yours for the taking, but it will be preserved in the pristine untravelled wilderness, waiting for your turn on that run- allowing day after day of epic snow just for you.
Bad weather on a resort can mean shut down lifts, limited alpine access, extensive line ups, and a lodge too crowded to warm up. Bad weather while heli-skiing simply means you might have to explore a different zone. With a large tenure and seemingly endless options, you will almost always be able to get out, get some turns, have a great time, and then return to your exlcusive lodging- where a warm drink [or cocktail] and apres snack will most certainly be waiting.
Choose Your Adventure
Heliskiing and resort skiing offer two very different experiences, each with its own set of benefits and challenges. Resort skiing is the perfect option for those looking for convenience, structured terrain, and a busy but lively atmosphere. However, for skiers seeking something beyond the crowded slopes and groomed runs, heliskiing presents a whole new level of excitement and adventure. The ability to access remote and untouched terrain, away from the crowds, provides a truly unique skiing experience.
If you're ready to step off the beaten path and explore some of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes on Earth, heliskiing might just be the adventure you've been waiting for.
